Rural Missouri - December 2024 - 27

" These types of units can start
quickly and be up to full generating
capacity in minutes. ... Natural
gas is much cleaner burning
than other fossil fuels while still
being available on-demand. "
- Sean Wright,
vice president, construction
Associated Electric Cooperative
six to eight permanent employees. Construction of Turney
is anticipated to begin in 2025 with the unit generating
power in 2027.
A similar project, Ripley Energy Center, is being built
near Stillwater, Oklahoma. Initial construction activities
began in October. Ripley, which features the same type of
generator as Turney, is projected to start generating power
in 2026. When complete, both projects will deliver power
into the Associated member-owned transmission system,
serving more than 2.1 million people in rural areas.
Community engagement a priority in generation
development
An important part of the new generation development process
is working with the local community around the site
locations to make sure they understand why it is needed,
what is being built and the safeguards being put in place
for the local environment. Project information developed
and distributed describes the need for the project and the
technical and environmental aspects of the peaking energy
centers. Informational web pages are online for the Turney
Energy Center and Ripley Energy Center at www.AECI.org.
" Meetings with generation and transmission memberowners,
local distribution cooperatives, community leaders
and other stakeholders are conducted early and often, "
Sean says. " We work closely with them to better understand
the local area and sensitivities to make sure our
projects are accepted and welcomed by the community. We
don't want there to be any surprises for local residents. We
want them to be an engaged, active part of this process. "
Public meetings educate and inform members
In September, Associated hosted a public meeting in the
Turney area to meet with cooperative members, make
project subject matter experts available and distribute
materials. Attendees learned about the
many facets of natural gas peaking
stations. A similar meeting was held in
December 2023 in Ripley, Oklahoma.
" We are member-owned and memberled.
We don't forget that as we work
to build these projects that are so
important to keep power supply
reliable, " Sean says.
Scan to learn
about the Turney
Energy Center.
Associated's Sean Wright explains the plans for the Turney Energy
Center during a public meeting this past September.
DECEMBER 2024 | RURALMISSOURI.COOP 27
Committed to
community
Land stewardship: About 37 acres of the 82-acre Turney site
will be allocated for the energy center's footprint, with the remaining
tract kept in agricultural production. Existing wetlands
will be left intact. To prevent disturbing culturally signifi cant
land, Associated conducted more than 800 shovel tests with
archaeologists.
Air quality: The latest emission-reducing technology will ensure
the energy center meets all regulations for air quality. Selective
catalytic reducers will be installed and are capable of providing
an industry-best reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions.
Water use: Water used by the energy center will be treated
water supplied by a non-profi t rural water district based in Lathrop.
Water will be safely returned to the environment through
an outfall, with discharge regulated by a water permit from the
Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Noise mitigation: The energy center will be equipped with
features to reduce noise. Associated's goal is to keep sound levels
at homes in the vicinity equivalent to the volume of a typical
person-to-person conversation.
Lighting mitigation: The energy center will have exterior
lighting for safety and security. Lighting will be shielded and directed
downward to reduce its visibility from nearby properties.
http://www.AECI.org http://www.RURALMISSOURI.COOP
Rural Missouri - December 2024

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